Monash wins inaugural alliance title

Monash University has claimed the title of the inaugural ‘Alliance Sports Challenge 2013 Down Under Tour’ against alliance partners/sporting rivals Warwick University (UK).

Although the alliance between Monash and Warwick, established in 2012, focuses mainly on research collaboration, the Alliance Sports Challenge provided a great opportunity for students from the two universities to become more involved with the partnership, with 30 Warwick students travelling to Australia for the two-week event.

The students competed at Monash University’s Clayton campus for the Alliance Trophy in five sports; Swimming Relays, Netball, Futsal, Hockey and Water Polo.

After TeamMONASH™ came out in first place in the Hockey and Mixed Water Polo, Team Warwick turned the tables on the home side, winning the Mixed Swimming Relay and taking out a tight fought (4-3) win in the Men’s Futsal.

Warwick’s comeback meant it was all square going in to the final sport of the challenge; the Women’s Netball.

However, TeamMONASH™ showed why they are the current Australian University Sport Champions, getting off to a flying start and winning the game by over 20 goals.

Director of Monash Sport, Martin Doulton, said while Monash University gets to keep the Alliance Trophy, the big winner of this challenge was the Monash Warwick Alliance.

“Students from both universities have taken this opportunity to share experiences, develop friendships and gain a greater appreciation of the opportunities that the Monash Warwick Alliance offers them,” Mr Doulton said.

“For Monash, this has been a great opportunity not just to showcase its magnificent sporting facilities but to extend the full campus experience to our guests from Warwick.”

Academic Vice-President and Director of the Monash Warwick Alliance, Professor Andrew Coats, said the event had been a great introduction to what the students of both Universities can do when they get together.

“So the Aussies won this time. I'm sure that won't be left to last unanswered for very long by Team Warwick,” Professor Coats said.

“This series has shown the great depths of engagement, interaction and achievement (as well as fun) that the Monash Warwick Alliance is engendering in our students and staff. My congratulations go out to all the participants for their effort and commitment.”

Once the sporting aspect of the tour wrapped up, the Warwick students spent their second week in Australia visiting Monash University’s various Victorian campuses and the greater Melbourne area.